Porch a welcome place for those in need

SAVANNA, Ill. -- For nearly 20 years, 71-year-old Anna Delp and her 72-year-old husband, Dick, have gathered donated food, clothing and other items to share with the needy.

The Delps give it all away from the porch of their home, which they leave unlocked so people can come in and take what they need, no questions asked. By appointment, the Delps also will let people look for needed items in their basement.

The couple buys some things with their own money, but mostly they rely on donations.

It was in 1982, that Anna Delp's "mission in life" became more focused. She started buying things at yard sales that people might need, cleaning them up and giving them away from her front porch.

The idea caught on and people began bringing donations to the Delps' porch for them to pass on.

The donations never stopped.

"I just decided, maybe God put this into me. Who knows?" Anna Delp said. "But it just grew and grew and grew."

Savanna Mayor Eugene Flack said many people count on Anna Delp.

"She's been an asset to the town," he said.

The Delps son, Raymond, said his mother sorts her merchandise by the season just like a retail store.

"Its organized now basically to provide Christmas for people," he said.

The Delps' basement is filled with donated bicycles, golf clubs, cribs, mattresses, color-coordinated bedding, a salvaged dollhouse and clothes for all occasions. A small area has school supplies that Dick Delp replenishes throughout the school year.

"They need school supplies more than just once a year," he said.

Carol Hoge of Savanna and her family have gotten help from the Delps over the years when times were tight.

Now, Hoge is the one lending a hand. She recently dropped off two turkeys, three hams and some canned goods for Delp to hand out for holiday meals.

"You've got to help each other out," Hoge said. "Annie has helped me, so you help someone else, too."